Los Angeles Reaches Out To Tsunami Victims In Japan

By now you've probably already heard that texting REDCROSS to 90999 donates $10 to the Red Cross relief effort. HuffPost Impact has the scoop on the best international aid organizations accepting contributions for the rescue and recovery effort in Japan, and here's HuffPost blogger Saundra Schimmelpfennig on how to make a smart, strategic donation.

In Los Angeles, home to one of the largest Japanese-American communities in the country, many of its members are stepping up to offer their time, crafts, and services in support of the relief effort. Japanese-American comedians Paul Ogata and KT Tatara join Kevin Nealon at a Laugh Factory event where 100% of the ticket sales go to the Red Cross. At restaurant Takami Sushi & Robata, where many of the staff are personally affected by the tsunami, 100% of all meal proceeds are being donated to the Red Cross. And the JapanLA store on Melrose is hosting an art exhibit in which 100% of all the sale proceeds benefit the relief effort as well. If you know of any other events going on around the city, please let us know in the comment section below.

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Fundraising for Japan Tsunami

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According to a press release from Takami Sushi & Robata, many of the restaurant's staff are personally affected by the tragedy in Japan, so the owners have instituted a giving plan that donates 100% of the proceeds to the Red Cross Japanese Relief Fund. From the release: "Following the discovery that distance from friends and family has proven futile to individually assist relatives and acquaintances, the staff has moved rapidly to do whatever possible to assist their home country in a productive, effective manner."
Takami Sushi & Robata Donating 100% Of All Proceeds
When: According to the press release, the giving "currently has no scheduled ending date."
Where: TAKAMI SUSHI & ROBATA 811 Wilshire Avenue - The Penthouse, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Cost: See Lunch and Dinner menu prices.

DJs will be spinning at Japanese restaurant Oiwake, where the $5 cover and a portion of all restaurant sales will be donated to the American Red Cross.
Japan+Relief
When: Friday, March 18 (9pm-midnight)
Where: Oiwake 122 Japanese Village Plz Mall, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Cost: $5 cover, sushi prices vary. 21+ only.

100% of the proceeds from all art sales from this Art Fundraiser Exhibit will go toward the American and Japanese Red Cross efforts in Japan. JapanLA is also donating 10% of all sales at the opening reception. The event site is asking for volunteers to set up the space and get the word out. Go to http://bit.ly/fIUJyX or email bubblepunch@gmail.com to see how you can help.
"#PrayForJapan" Art Fundraiser Exhibition + Open Call
When: Saturday, March 19 (7-10pm)
Where: JapanLA, 7320 1/2 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Art prices vary.
Illustration by Ogawa Keiko.

On Monday, the restaurants of Innovative Dining Group (BOA Steakhouse, Sushi Roku, Katana, Delphine, and Robata Bar) will be donating 25% of the proceeds of all lunch and dinner sales to the American Red Cross. From the press release: "In an effort to raise more money, all other promotions and Happy Hour discounts will be suspended for the day."
Innovative Dining Group Restaurants Donate 25% Of Proceeds
When: Monday, March 21
Where: Varying locations.
Cost: Meal prices vary.